LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 14, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Given how great a player Austin Reaves has been after being an undrafted free agent, it’s no question that he’s been performing well above his contract throughout his career.
However, that might not be true for much longer. Reaves is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given that he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game this past season and has improved each year, a player of his caliber becoming available in free agency makes him a hot commodity.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, how much should the Lakers pay Austin Reaves?
There are already reports indicating that a team like the Nets could be interested and possibly offer Reaves a four-year, $178.5 million contract. That would make Reaves a player making $44.6 millon per year, so perhaps LA will have no choice but to pay that kind of number to retain Reaves.
However, all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, especially as we enter free agency. Until negotiations begin, we don’t know whether interest will turn into action.
Regardless of the Nets’ or any other team’s interest, the Lakers have to figure out what type of deal they want to offer Reaves.
Obviously, the lowest salary possible would be ideal. But if another franchise offers more, LA might have to pay up and get closer to max money.
That would typically limit a team’s ability to make other moves, but given that Reaves’ cap hold this year will be approximately $20.9 million, LA can still pay him and bolster its roster.
Also, while reports with such big numbers attached to Reaves are out there, he has consistently said he isn’t just looking to make as much money as possible. So yes, Reaves will get a raise, but maybe it won’t be for simply the largest amount of money from the highest bidder.
The general expectation is still that Reaves will re-sign with the Lakers. But what number makes the most sense? What rewards him without being insulting, while still allowing the Lakers to continue building the team so they can be contenders?
Trade or keep the pick?
Our other question this week involves the Lakers’ draft pick and whether they should trade or keep it. As things currently stand, LA will select No. 25 in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Lakers have shown a willingness to deal their first-rounders, but the bar is high.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has consistently stated he’d trade first-round picks if it could create sustainable Lakers excellence. If a deal can be made to bring in an impactful player, perhaps that’s better for the Lakers than anyone available at No. 25.
The counterpoint, though, is that the draft is the place to get young, cost-controlled players, and the Lakers need to take advantage of that.
The Lakers hired former Virginia coach Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor, and it’d be a shame if he didn’t get a chance at helping LA select a player in the first.
But late in the draft, it’s also hard to find good players. Jalen Hood-Schifino was taken by LA at No. 17 in the 2023 draft and is now out of the league. Dalton Knecht was also selected No. 17 back in 2024, and he can’t crack the rotation.
So, with the Lakers trying to win with Luka, the argument can be made that it’s better to get rid of those picks for impactful players now than to hope a prospect can grow into a role.
But what do you think? Let us know in the comments below and in the poll above.
ALL’S WELL THAT ENDED WELL, RIGHT?: The Cubs came from behind to win last night after twice squandering leads. They have erased 31 deficits this season in 28 different games, of which they won 17 and lost 11. They have blown 30 leads in 22 games, winning 10 and losing 12. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RISPy BUSINESS: The Cubs went 1 for 10 last night with runners in scoring position, with the only hit tying the game with nobody out in the ninth inning. They are 3 for 31 in their last four games, yet won three of them. In their last nine games, they are 5-4 despite going 7 for 60. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
BETTER SCORE AT LEAST FIVE: When the Cubs have scored at least five runs, as they did last night, they are 31-6. With four or fewer, they are 7-29. When they allow no more than four runs, as they did last night, they are 32-12. With five or more, they are 7-23. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
PCA’S PLAYER OF THE MONTH CAMPAIGN: Pete Crow-Armstrong, 13 games so far in June: .436/.458/.909 (24-for-55) with four doubles, two triples, six home runs, nine RBI, 10 runs scored and four stolen bases.
Please visit our SB Nation Rockies site Purple Row. If you do go there to interact with Rockies fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Aday Mara shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In today’s Dub Hub:
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has the Warriors selecting Aday Mara in his latest NBA mock draft.
With the 2025-26 NBA season officially in the books following the New York Knicks’ championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the league’s attention now shifts to the 2026 NBA Draft. The Golden State Warriors hold the No. 11 overall pick and have several directions they could go as they look to maximize what remains of Stephen Curry’s final years.
With the first round set for next Tuesday, June 23, at 5:00 p.m. PT, here’s who the experts believe could be headed to Golden State:
Of the prospects listed above, Michigan’s 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara emerged as the most popular selection along with his fellow teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. While the Warriors have already hosted both Lendeborg and Johnson for pre-draft workouts, Mara has not been publicly reported to have worked out for Golden State as of yet. Even so, the Michigan center’s combination of elite size and passing ability could make him an intriguing fit alongside the Warriors’ veteran core.
Here’s what ESPN’s Jeremy Woo had to say about Mara in his latest mock draft.
Mara is expected to be the first center off the board and appears slated for the 8-to-12 range. There is strong interest in him, with Atlanta, Dallas, Golden State and Oklahoma City among the teams noted, and he could ultimately be a player teams trade up to acquire.
Mara has been a steady riser with an outlier-level mix of size, coordination and skill as a true 7-footer that is extremely difficult to find. With NBA teams tilting back toward fielding size up front — and as the league prepares to counter Victor Wembanyama for the next decade — Mara’s sheer size and ability to manipulate defenses with the pass make him fascinating to many teams.
As Michigan prospects continue to dominate these mock draft roundups for the Warriors, all eyes will be on Golden State next week to see whether the front office ultimately turns to Ann Arbor when they make their selection at No. 11 overall.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, June 16th:
Rival teams believe the Warriors are after a player who can contribute to the rotation next season — as they work to maximize their chances in the final stretch of Stephen Curry‘s career — but will take a best-available positional approach.
Johnson leapt onto the radar of NBA teams after averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds for the Wolverines. Among the NBA players draft services consider reasonable comparables are Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, Dallas Mavericks big man Daniel Gafford and Houston Rockets veteran Clint Capela.
“I think that I bring some physicality, versatility on the defensive end and a connector offensively,” Johnson said. “Just trying to help everybody get to their spots, not try to force anything, being a great teammate.
“I think the second effort, second, third, fourth effort, that’s a winner’s trait. Just showing you I’ll do anything to win, multiple efforts, not just trying it one time and giving in. Just keep showing effort and being resilient.”
Although Peterson does not plan to visit Utah before the draft, that is not considered by rival teams to be a major factor in whether the Jazz will select him. There is precedent for that thinking, as general manager Austin Ainge selected Ace Bailey fifth overall last year despite Bailey’s camp electing not to work out there.
It’s easy to understand why the idea appeals to Lendeborg. Curry’s constant movement and ability to draw multiple defenders have created countless easy opportunities for teammates throughout his career. For a versatile forward like Lendeborg, who thrives as a connective piece on both ends of the floor, those extra pockets of space could help elevate his game even further at the next level.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on how the board falls, Michigan big man Morez Johnson, Jr. could be available when New York is on the clock at draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th or 31st selection?
The Basics
School: Michigan (transferred from Illinois after his freshman year)
Position: Forward / Center
Height: 6’9″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, 7’3.5″ wingspan)
Projected Draft Range: Late first to early second round (Picks 20–35)
The Numbers
Johnson Jr. was a crucial to the 2026 National Champion Wolverines, starting all 40 games. While his basic box score numbers are solid, it’s the underlying efficiency and physical dimensions that tell a larger story. He converted a 73% of his attempts at the rim, thriving on vertical gravity and physical finishes. Defensively, he hauled in 7.3 rebounds per game while averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. His free throw shooting jumped from 62% as a freshman at Illinois to 79% at Michigan on 156 attempts. Combine that foul line touch with a subtle 12-of-35 (34%) showing from three-point range, and you see the structural outline of a modern, multi-dimensional frontcourt piece rather than just a rigid rim-runner. Squint and do you see Julius Randle? Maybe just a little bit?
What Does He Do Well?
Pro-Ready Physicality: At 251 pounds with a 7’3.5″ wingspan and a 39-inch max vertical, Johnson Jr. has an immediate NBA body. He plays with an aggressive, highly physical edge, meeting contact head-on and functioning as an interior enforcer.
Elite Rim Finishing: He is an active off-ball mover who understands spacing, hard screens, and diving lanes. Once he catches the ball with momentum downhill, his combination of power and mid-air body control makes him incredibly difficult to slow down.
Relentless Rebounding Motor: Dating back to his freshman year at Illinois, where he posted a near-nation-leading 17.2% offensive rebounding rate, Johnson Jr. tracks the ball beautifully. He establishes deep paint position, flips possessions, and secures defensive windows cleanly.
Defensive Versatility: He earned Big Ten All-Defensive honors by proving he can anchor the paint without being totally anchored to it. His Combine lane agility drill (10.59 seconds) flashed the lateral mobility required to survive on the perimeter when guards hunting switches try to drag him out.
What Are the Concerns?
Tweener Height: Measuring a true 6’9″ barefoot leaves him slightly undersized against true, elite NBA centers, while his offensive game is still a bit too interior-heavy to slide comfortably to a full-time power forward role right away.
Lack of Self-Creation: Johnson is an explosive play finisher, but not a shot creator. He relies heavily on guards to set him up, rarely creating his own look out of isolated post-ups or face-up drives.
Passing Limitations: With just 48 assists to 53 turnovers across 40 games last season, he can sometimes get tunnel vision when operating inside. He needs to improve his processing speed when hard doubles arrive or when kicking out to open shooters on the perimeter.
The Knicks Fit
Johnson Jr. fits the classic mold of an aggressive, physical, defense-first big man. Wouldn’t you drool to have a bruiser like this jogging onto the court with the second unit? He can crash the glass, execute drop coverage, and spend his rookie season sharpening his processing speed with the Westchester Knicks if need be. He offers the exact blend of toughness and physical tools that fits the organizational identity.
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: Juilius Randle or Al Horford
Median Outcome: Isaiah Stewart (A rugged, physical undersized center who locks down the glass and hits just enough outside shots to keep defenses honest).
Low-End Outcome: Precious Achiuwa (An energetic, highly athletic rim-runner who brings defensive utility but occasionally struggles with offensive processing and consistency).
The Verdict
Draft him at 24. If Morez Johnson Jr. is on the board, pull the trigger, Leon. Mo brings championship pedigree, an elite physical profile, a rock-solid defensive motor, and flashes of real shooting touch that suggest his ceiling is much higher than a standard backup center. He checks every box of a modern, versatile frontcourt piece.
Boston, MA - May 28: Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle throws in the first inning. The Boston Red Sox played the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
If you were to ask a random group of Red Sox fans what the most fun part of the 2026 season has been so far, many might come back from the slim pickings and respond with some version of “watching Payton Tolle pitch.” It’s certainly not a bad answer, but in typical 2026 Red Sox fashion, there hasn’t exactly been much winning when he’s on the mound despite his very solid 2.70 ERA. Some of this has been the lack of run support, some of it has been the bullpen blowing his games, and some of it has been him not going deep enough in starts to bridge directly to the high leverage relievers.
Last time out on the mound in Tampa, in was because Tolle gave up a season high four earned runs over six innings of work, putting this putrid Red Sox offense in a position where it could not recover.
If the Red Sox are going to win tonight, they’re probably going to need something closer to the Payton Tolle they got in his last outing at Fenway back on June 3rd against the Orioles, when he gave them six shutout innings of work.
Here’s the lineup that will be “supporting” Tolle tonight against Dylan Cease and the Blue Jays:
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS
RED SOX
George Springer – DH
Masataka Yoshida – DH
Ernie Clement – 2B
Ceddanne Rafaela – CF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Wilyer Abreu – RF
Alejandro Kirk – C
Willson Contreras – 1B
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
Jarren Duran – LF
Nathan Lukes – RF
Caleb Durbin – 3B
Davis Schneider – LF
Isiah Kiner-Falefa – 2B
Andres Gimenez – SS
Marcelo Mayer – SS
Myles Straw – CF
Connor Wong – C
Dylan Cease – RHP
Payton Tolle – LHP
⚾️ First Pitch: 6:45pm — Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers Tommy Edman (25) takes live batting practice prior to the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES — Tommy Edman was activated off the 60-day injured list on Tuesday after missing the first 73 games of the season following right ankle surgery in November. They get back a multi-positional player who started 32 of 33 postseason games in his first two years with Los Angeles.
To make room on both the active and 40-man rosters, infielder Santiago Espinal was designated for assignment.
The Dodgers were methodical with Edman’s rehabilitation from surgery, hoping to finally put behind them the injury that has plagued the switch-hitting utility player since 2024, even before the St. Louis Cardinals traded him to Los Angeles.
Edman had a busy three weeks on a rehab assignment for Triple-A Oklahoma City, playing 14 of 18 games for the Comets. He hit .275/.351/.392 with a 94 wRC+ in 57 plate appearances, with a home run, triple, double, and stolen base. Edman fared better batting left-handed while on rehab, hitting .300/.378/.450 in 45 plate appearances while he had two hits in 11 at-bats batting right-handed in Triple-A.
During his seven-year career, Edman’s splits have gone the other way, hitting .273/.314/.495 with a 118 wRC+ batting righty against left-handed pitching, and .254/.313/.373 with a 90 wRC+ batting left-handed.
With Oklahoma City, Edman started five games at second base, made two starts each at third base, left field, and center field, and also started three times as designated hitter. He’s expected to play multiple positions now that he’s back with the Dodgers, and will start on Wednesday afternoon against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan.
Espinal hit .268/.276/.375 in 36 games and 60 plate appearances with the Dodgers, with seven starts at third base, four starts at second base, and one at designated hitter. Espinal was previously designated for assignment this season on May 25, but returned within a few days after injuries to both Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández.
Edman’s history against left-handed pitching made Espinal’s role redundant.
Now with both Edman and Alex Freeland active, the Dodgers have two switch-hitters — Freeland is stronger batting left-handed — with plenty of versatility. Freeland can play all over the infield, and Edman can add outfield as well to his infield duties.
Espinal’s second Dodgers tenure ended with a four-game hit streak, with five singles in his last eight at-bats.
Joe DeMayo and guest co-host Steve Gelbs drop the latest episode of The Mets Pod, as the Mets continue their step forward and step back moves.
Steve and Joe cover the shaky starting rotation, including ups and downs from Freddy Peralta, an injury to Christian Scott, the return of Kodai Senga, and the improvement of Sean Manaea.
The guys also talk Bo Bichette getting hot, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing's effect on the clubhouse, and when to expect Francisco Lindor back on the field. Later, Joe goes Down on the Farm for an exclusive interview with rising Mets pitching prospect Jonathan Santucci, and then the show goes into the Mailbag to answer questions about Mark Vientos, Luis Robert Jr, trade deadline options, and Steve's all-time favorite celebrity interviews during Mets games.
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 10, 2026: Peyton Bonds #25 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights bats during the third inning against the UCLA Bruins at Bainton Field on April 10, 2026 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Rutgers Outfielder Peyton Bonds has received an invite to the 2026 MLB Combine, where he will get the chance to show his athletic ability in front of scouts from every team in the MLB, according to a post by Richie O’Leary of The Knight Report.
Bonds has been with the Scarlet Knights since 2025, after transferring in from Campbell, where he played for just one year in 2024, when he was named to the CAA all-freshman team.
In his second season with the team in 2026, Bonds played in 36 games, posting a .352 average. He finished the season with 50 hits, six home runs, 29 RBI’s, and 13 stolen bases. In the field, Bonds recorded 80 put-outs and 1 assist.
The combine itself is set to take place over three days, June 23- June 26, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The MLB Draft will take place on July 11-13. Bonds has the potential to be one of the highest Rutgers draft picks in recent memory, thanks to his skill and possibly his well-known last name. As of right now, Rutgers has had 72 total players drafted to the MLB, with a good chance at making it 73 with Bonds.
Bonds’ deep ties to the MLB are well-documented. His father, Bobby Bonds II, played in the MLB for 11 years. His grandfather, Bobby Bonds, is a three-time MLB All-Star. However, the biggest star of the Bonds family was his uncle, Barry Bonds, MLB’s all-time leader in home runs
The Nashville Predators have acquired center Ross Colton from the Colorado Avalanche for two third-round picks, the team announced on Tuesday, June 16.
In the trade, the Predators acquire Colton and goaltender Isak Posch for Nashville's third-round pick in 2026, Colorado's third-round pick in 2027 (which was previously acquired by Nashville), and goaltender Magnus Chrona.
Colton, 29, scored nine goals and 15 assists in 73 games as a mostly third-line center for the Avalanche last season. Over six seasons, Colton has 89 goals and 87 assists in 404 games for the Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Colton is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million deal he signed with Colorado in 2023. He will earn $4 million in 2026-27 and has a modified no-trade clause.
According to Puck Pedia, the Predators have more than $27 million in cap space for the 2026-27 season.
A 6-foot, 197-pound center, Colton brings a balanced approach up the middle. He's not flashy on offense, but he's an excellent possession player and wins face-offs. Barring other moves, Colton should join Ryan O'Reilly, Matthew Wood, and Fedor Svechkov as the team's top centers entering next season.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. He never uses artificial intelligence when developing or drafting stories. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Allen Graves #22 of the Santa Clara Broncos celebrates a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2025-26 season ended disappointingly for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite outperforming expectations and making it all the way to the NBA Finals, San Antonio has to feel it came up short after losing to the New York Knicks 4-1. The time for licking wounds should be brief, though, especially for the front office. The NBA Draft is a mere week away, and the Spurs have a real chance to add young players who can help them win a championship in the future.
San Antonio’s front office has been busy during the postseason, hosting draft prospects for workouts. The Spurs own four picks in the draft: #20, #35, #42, and #44. The front office has brought in players who are considered to go in the late-first to early-second round range. If there is any smoke of them moving up in the draft (and so far there hasn’t been), we could see some higher-profile players work out for the team this week, leading up to the draft.
For now, let’s take a look at the guys who have reportedly worked out for the Spurs so far. The list of players stems from HoopsHype’s draft workout tracker.
Graves is this draft’s riser after a productive freshman season at Santa Clara. He’s a big forward with excellent defensive instincts who shot the ball well from three in college. Graves isn’t the most athletic or physically imposing player, but he makes up for it with smart positional defense and aggression on the defensive end. Offensively, he profiles as a connective playmaker and pick-and-pop threat.
San Antonio needs a player like Graves – a big four who can defend, pass, and shoot the ball. He’s not a perfect fit, as he lacks the physicality, interior finishing, and rebounding ability that Victor Wembanyama’s ideal front-court partner would bring to the table. It’s hard to see him coming out of school and filling a substantial role for the Spurs immediately, but he’d give them another look in their front court as a stretch big.
You’ll start to see a trend in the players the Spurs have worked out. They are big forwards or small-ball centers with high defensive potential. Cenac Jr. was a highly regarded high-school prospect (something Brian Wright and the Spurs’ front office have valued recently) who didn’t have the best freshman season at Houston. He’s a project big man who, on the high end, could be a lockdown defender who shoots the ball from three and plays well as a cutter on offense. On the low end, he could be a weak stretch forward who doesn’t figure out an offensive role and struggles to find a spot in the NBA.
Selecting Cenac Jr. means that the Spurs believe in that upside. In theory, he could be an ideal fit alongside Wembanyama, with his athleticism, rebounding, and potential floor spacing. Again, this is another player who likely won’t be a high-level contributor in year one.
Reed Jr. is the opposite of Graves and Cenac Jr. He’s a bruising big man who thrives on contact, but isn’t a very versatile player. Reed Jr. is going to make his bread and butter by dominating physically and athletically in the paint. He’s strong, has good footwork, and a great touch around the basket. Reed Jr. should be ready to physically play and compete on the glass in his first season, but don’t expect him to be a player who dominates offensively.
San Antonio could take a flyer on Reed Jr. in the second round to add some front-court depth and some needed physicality in the paint. Like Luke Kornet, don’t expect the big man to provide much in terms of floor spacing. He’d give the Spurs a more athletic, physical option behind Wembanyama and Kornet.
If you’re looking for your enforcer next to Wembanyama, Ejiofor could be that guy. He’s a versatile defender with an extremely high motor who is as strong as an ox. His offensive role in the NBA is questionable, as he was used mostly as a post scorer and playmaker at St. John’s, while his jump shot is still developing. As a second-round pick, Ejiofor would be a fun bet for a Spurs team that needs to add more physical defenders in its front court.
It feels like Karaban has been linked to the Spurs for the last three draft cycles. His upside is clear: he’s a proven wing who shot over 37% from three in his four seasons at UConn. He won two championships and played in three National Championship games in his college career, so he’d obviously impacted winning. He’s a dream of an off-ball player, who thrives on hitting threes off movement and is typically in the right position defensively. Just don’t ask him to create his own shot or be a lockdown wing defender.
Guys like Karaban are valuable in the NBA. San Antonio could always use more wing shooters. It’s hard to find an immediate spot for him in the rotation right now, but he’d add great depth and could be a contributor in the near future.
We are now solidly in two-way contract territory. Okpara has an NBA body at center, is extremely athletic, and defends with a motor. That combination typically finds you a spot in the league at some point. His offensive output is limited as he projects as mainly a rim runner at the next level. San Antonio has been lacking a solid two-way big man since Dominick Barlow. Okpara could give them some solid tools to develop in one of their three two-way slots.
It was hard to find much on Fricks. He looks like a stretch four who hit a good number of threes at the Portsmouth Invitational and had success blocking shots in college. He could be someone the Spurs look at for a Summer League invite.
Ajayi is a good wing athlete who defended well in college. He’s got a high motor on both ends, but doesn’t shoot the ball well enough as an undersized player. San Antonio could take a flyer on him in the Summer League.
Collins can fill it up as a scoring guard, but 1.6 assists for a smaller guard who isn’t a great defender puts him in a niche that typically doesn’t make it in the NBA. This could be another Summer League target for the Spurs.
Donaldson had the reputation of a defensive guard until his senior season at Miami, where he had the best offensive season of his career on a Hurricanes squad that won a game in the NCAA Tournament this year. He’s likely to go undrafted because of his size and scoring questions, but San Antonio could give him a look as an undrafted free agent.
Dunning Jr. is a former Alabama high-school star turned college basketball journeyman. He’s got good size and athleticism on the wing, and has intriguing pedigree for a potentially undrafted player.
Kyle III put up impressive numbers in his Senior season at Syracuse. He’s a pogo stick on the basketball court. Some of his jumps are out of this world.
Floyd Mayweather is facing two felony charges over allegations he used a bad check to buy a $200,000 watch in 2024.
The charges are for theft and intent to defraud. The theft charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail if someone is found guilty, although sentences of that length for the offense are rare.
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt takes batting practice during spring training workouts Monday, February 17, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A lot has happened in the last couple of days! Coming off of a series win over the weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Brewers have a brand new shortstop to debut as they welcome the Cleveland Guardians to town.
Cooper Pratt is, of course, in the starting lineup tonight, and Luis Rengifo has been designated for assignment. Pratt will bat eighth, and with a glimpse into what the Brewer infield might look like in the coming weeks, David Hamilton will start alongside him at third base. If I had to guess, Hamilton and Joey Ortiz will move into a platoon situation at third base, but we’ll see how often Pratt and Ortiz are in the lineup together and, when they are, who will play where.
In Milwaukee’s lineup alongside Pratt and Hamilton this evening we will see Christian Yelich at designated hitter, Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Jake Bauers in the outfield, William Contreras behind the plate, and Brice Turang and Andrew Vaughn on the right side of the infield, so tonight is a win for the “get Bauers and Vaughn into the lineup no matter what” folks. Cleveland’s lineup is notably absent their biggest weapon, as the typically ultra-durable José Ramírez was placed on the injured list on Sunday with a broken hamate bone. Old Friend Rhys Hoskins gets the start at first base, while a former Brewer farmhand, David Fry, will start in right field and bat cleanup. (Fry, who was a 2024 All-Star, was drafted by the Brewers in 2018 and sent to Cleveland in 2021 for J.C. Mejía. A rare front-office miss.)
On the mound for the Brewers is the lefty Robert Gasser, who is making his fifth start of the season. He got beat up a bit his last time out, but that game was on the moon in Las Vegas, so I’m willing to give it a pass; I actually thought Gasser did a pretty solid job against the Athletics until they broke through with two homers in the fifth inning. In his previous outing in a real ballpark, Gasser had his best outing of the season: on June 3 in San Francisco, he held the Giants to one run on five hits in five innings.
The Guardians counter with the right-handed Slade Cecconi, who has had mixed results this season. Cecconi sports a 4.83 ERA in 72 2/3 innings, but his FIP is significantly better at 4.28. He’s also been much better lately; Cecconi has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts, a span in which he’s gone 2-1 with a 3.16 ERA in 37 innings. Cecconi isn’t a hard thrower (he sits at about 93 mph with his fastball), and he doesn’t strike out a whole lot of batters, so hopefully the Brewers will be able to take advantage tonight.
A couple of injury notes: Brandon Woodruff is headed to the Quad Cities to start for the Timber Rattlers tonight and is slated to throw about 85 pitches. Additionally, Logan Henderson, who hasn’t pitched since May 22 because of a back strain, is throwing bullpens. The news isn’t as good on Quinn Priester: he’s got a meeting scheduled to determine the next step in recovery for his thoracic outlet syndrome. (The vibes aren’t good here.)
Jun 15, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Josh Smith (8) pinch hits against the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Texas Rangers lineup for June 16, 2026 against the Minnesota Twins: starting pitchers are Kumar Rocker for the Rangers and Zebby Matthews for the Twins.
Texas looks to even the series against the Twins. Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran are both starting.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Jung — 3B
Langford — LF
Nimmo — RF
Duran — SS
Burger — 1B
Smith — 2B
Osuna — CF
Diaz — C
7:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -132 favorites.
CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 3: Eugenio Suárez #7 of the Cincinnati Reds blows bubbles with his gum in the infield against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on July 3, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
There have been precious few updates regarding the back problem that send Ke’Bryan Hayes to the injured list after he last played on May 20th. We know it’s both a chronic problem and that the Cincinnati Reds placed him just on the 10-day IL instead of the 60-day, but he’s nearing a month on the shelf already and the latest update on Reds.com slated him with a ‘TBD’ return date that was last updated on May 22nd.
That’s the unknown with Hayes. The knowns, of course, are that he hasn’t hit in a half-decade, is on the cusp of being 30 years old, and has dealt with this very same back problem time after time for years. In other words, much like it did at the time the Reds oddly chose to trade for him and his long-term contract, none of that screams should be the team’s everyday 3B going forward.
While it remains to be seen whether the contract there keeps him around for another shot or if he’s designated for assignment before it’s over (a la Mike Moustakas, Jeimer Candelario, Shogo Akiyama, et al), it’s pretty clear the Reds need to plan accordingly.
What we also know is that Nathaniel Lowe is slated to be a free agent again at season’s end, removing another corner infielder from the current mix for the 2027 season. We also know that TJ Friedl, earning $3.8 million in his first trip through arbitration this year, seems like a pretty obvious non-tender candidate given that he hit so poorly that he was optioned to AAA Louisville.
In Hayes, Lowe, and Friedl, that’s a trio of players who were expected to be regulars in 2026 that the 2027 club likely won’t have, for their own reasons. Now, you can pencil in Edwin Arroyo as a replacement on the position player side as he continues to evolve into a big leaguer, and in theory he could be in the mix at 3B. Sal Stewart could presumably be the everyday 3B, but that would take Spencer Steer out of the turbid OF mix as he’d be needed at 1B everyday with that mix. The DH options in that scenario would likely be just rotating through the rest of the down-roster guys, with none of them obvious bat-first guys who deserve to be hitting even on their ‘days off.’
To me, it seems pretty clear that beyond the 2026 season, the way this current Reds roster is constructed still has a glaring need for a big bat somewhere. The versatility of Steer and Stewart means that bat could come at 1B, 3B, or even in a corner OF spot, which gives the front office flexibility in who they choose to pursue.
But what if there’s already someone on the roster right now who profiles like a pretty perfect fit there?
What if there’s a guy who can play 3B, some 1B in a pinch, or serve as the regular DH who’s deeply familiar with the way the Cincinnati Reds work? Heck, he may even be a guy who has only ever signed contracts with the Reds in his entire big league career!
What if he’s coming off the first real injury of his career, one that cost him a month and sapped a little bit of his production? What if that made locking him up for another year ASAP the absolute bargain of the century?
What if last night, when Eugenio Suárez clubbed two homers – one a grand slam – should serve as the perfect reminder that the Reds, right now, have an absolute masher in the heart of the lineup, a guy who would be a great piece of a 2027 lineup that will have Elly De La Cruz once again in his dwindling time with the Reds before he reaches free agency?
What say you…should the Cincinnati Reds try to keep Eugenio Suárez beyond this season?
The Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup champions as of Sunday, but the off-season rumor mill took no time to get moving. The New Jersey Devils are involved.
Over the last couple of days, Kevin Weekes of ESPN and NHL Network speculated about two players currently on the New Jersey Devils.
Over the weekend, Weekes reported that the New Jersey Devils are shopping goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
After signing him to a contract extension during the 2025-26 season, which is worth $12 million over 2 years (cap hit of $6 million each year), they are already trying to move off of him.
For one, Markstrom wasn't good enough in 2025-26. He was supposed to be a stopgap at the position for the Devils during his tenure, but he has not lived up to it.
Markstrom took over as the starting goalie for Sweden in the Olympics, but his NHL numbers left a lot to be desired. His 3.07 goals against average and .883 save percentage were simply not good enough.
Not only would the Devils be upgrading at the position if they moved on from Markstrom, but they would also free up all of that cap space, which they desperately need.
Weekes also reported that teams are calling about defenseman Simon Nemec. This is an entirely different situation, because Nemec still has a long NHL future ahead of him. He could even be a star.
A name per sources that’s of interest to other clubs is RFA D Nemec , as it hasn’t been the smoothest path / usage with @NJDevils , and he’s an attractive option given age, talent, upside, should it be decided that they want to move him.#HockeyXpic.twitter.com/m3nF2bfAQW
Nemec was the second overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, but his transition to the NHL hasn't gone the way he had hoped. The Devils didn't unleash him once he reached the NHL, and his usage has been questionable at best.
2025-26 was a career year for the young Slovakian defender. He had 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points in 68 games played. His defensive game is still a work in progress, which is normal for a 22-year-old with under 200 NHL games played.
The prize for trading Markstrom is freed-up cap space and the potential for better goaltending from elsewhere. The prize for Nemec could be high-end help at forward, specifically a goal-scoring winger, which is something the Devils also need.
Dougie Hamilton has been in trade rumors since last fall, but it hasn't come up in a while. Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Jonathan Kovacevic, and Jonas Siegenthaler are the NHL defencemen currently under contract.
If another team were to acquire Nemec, they would need to sign him, as he is a restricted free agent. He is likely to get a nice contract with his upside as the main point of emphasis.
As for goaltending, potentially without Markstrom, Jake Allen is signed to a long-term deal. They also have Nico Daws and the potential to make a trade for someone else that they think can help them.
Reporting on Nemec and Markstrom isn't the only New Jersey Devils nugget from Kevin Weekes over the last week. He also noted that talks are ongoing between the team and captain Nico Hischier. He speculated that they will come to a medium-term contract in the $11-13 million range.
👀 Although talks are ongoing, my speculation is that C Hischier and @NJDevils will land on a medium term contract extension somewhere between 11M- 13M range … #HockeyXpic.twitter.com/UgX43i5Cjj
It is incredibly important for the Devils to sign Hischier unless they are bringing in another center of equal or better value. Hischier is a premier two-way player who impacts the game in all three zones.
Paired with Jack Hughes, who is a dynamic offense-focused center, Hischier is a perfect complement. Getting him extended, as he is entering the last year of his current deal with a cap hit of $7.25 million, is the most important task of the entire offseason.
One thing is for certain: Sunny Mehta is wasting no time when it comes to trying to make the roster better.
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